Project LEAD is a one-of-a-kind curriculum that incorporates citizenship education and research-based prevention practices. The program is designed to educate children at the middle school level about life in a lawful society; and to provide opportunities for them to clarify their roles as citizens, interact with positive role models, explore and express ideas and feelings on common issues relevant to their lives, and develop stronger decision-making skills. LEAD aims to educate youth, prevent them from engaging in anti-social and high-risk behavior, and help them develop into participating, productive citizens. Project LEAD statewide programs are as diverse as their audiences: rural, urban, suburban, at-risk, academically advanced, and of special needs. Extension educators; school faulty, staff, and administrators; social workers; law enforcement and juvenile justice officials; and community volunteers from all walks of life and numerous professions implement LEAD in traditional classrooms, special education programs, after-school programs, community centers, diversion programs, rehabilitation centers, camps, and clubs. Objectives
The objectives of the Project LEAD program include: To demonstrate the need for laws and provide an understanding of life in a lawful society through the study of government, the legal system, law enforcement, and the rights of citizens. To provide students boundaries and expectations and encourage development of positive standards and healthy beliefs through exploration of the law, the legal system, law enforcement and common challenges facing juveniles. To provide opportunities for guided exploration of the concepts of positive social values such as caring, social justice, honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect. To provide opportunities for students to interact with members of the law enforcement and legal system in a non-threatening environment, and provide opportunities for positive interaction and bonding with adult role models and career exploration. To stimulate curiosity, encourage learning, and develop communication skills through discussion, role playing, writing and art. To encourage and provide opportunities to develop role identity, high self-esteem, a feeling of personal value and control, and hope for the future. To strengthen decision-making, interpersonal communication, peer pressure resistance, and peaceful conflict resolution skills. To build a support system of school, family, and community where kids feel safe and can develop into productive adults. Curriculum areas
In educational settings, the research-based curriculum is incorporated into regular, challenge, and special education classes as part of the social studies,
citizenship, practical arts, language arts, health education, community service, career exploration, and enrichment curriculum areas. Acquiring knowledge, making career decisions, communications, recognizing self-worth, relating to others, making decisions, solving problems, applying leadership skills, and taking community action/volunteerism are among some of the life skill areas covered by the Project LEAD curriculum. Target Age Group
Primary target group are 5th and 6th grade students, but the program is also used with older grades and teens special classrooms Curriculum materials
Putting Yourself in the Other Person's Shoes, student
manual
Project LEAD Management Guide |
